video | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

(( The face on the screen wears a severe expression that does little to mar its prettiness. ))

I require a horse and a bird.

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[theatrics]

(( Nope. Ouyang's not buying it. He cocks a brow up giving the dragon an unconvinced look. ))

Am I to believe the Heavenly Emperor has no martial skills at all?

[dragonrising]

Are you?

[He's enjoying this game too much to stop it.]

[theatrics]

I do not believe it.

(( A smirk pulls up one corner of his lips and mischief lights his dark eyes. ))

I shall test your skill for myself.

[dragonrising]

[He laughs softly, loving that look.]

What do I get if I pass?

[theatrics]

A bath. You'll need it.

[dragonrising]

One that you'll give me?

[theatrics]

Yes, one that I'll give you.

[dragonrising]

It's a deal then. I will take your test.

[theatrics]

And if I find you wanting?

(( What does he get, Runyu, hmm? ))

[dragonrising]

Then I will have to bathe you. That is only fair.

[theatrics]

(( An excellent answer. Ouyang nods in agreement. Either way they get to relax together after. What more could he want? ))

Very well. How much time do you need to be ready?

[dragonrising]

I should be as ready as I'll be. Where do you want me to go?

[theatrics]

The training grounds at the Manor should suffice.

[dragonrising]

Then I will walk there now. Give me just a few minutes.

[theatrics]

(( And in about five minutes, Ouyang is there. He probably should take this more seriously and wear his armor but it's not like either of them are actually out to hurt the other. ))

[dragonrising]

[Runyu arrives wearing some of his usual white robes. He doesn't look at all ready to train or to fight but he's not about to change either. He smiles at his lover then comes closer.]

What is the first part of the test?

[theatrics]

(( A single brow lifts. Of course, he's not worried for Runyu. Ouyang knows his own skill and how to control it (when needed). He's also certain that any son of a noble family has basic proficiency in certain martial arts. Not to mention Runyu's magic. So while he's confident in his own abilities, he is wary. ))

Swordsmanship. Have you a weapon?

[dragonrising]

[Summoning a sword to his hand, Runyu holds it up. It's beautiful to be sure. Something made for royalty. He hasn't held one in over five hundred years but he finds the weight of it doesn't frighten him when it's being held like this.]

Will this do?

[theatrics]

(( A stunning weapon, expected of Runyu's status. Ouyang's eyes brighten at the sight of it and a smile curves his mouth. He draws his own weapon and takes a fighting stance. ))

Yes. I believe it will.

[dragonrising]

[He'll have to make sure that Ouyang gets to have a closer look at it later. For now he feigns a look of surprise.]

Oh. We're starting now?

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang doesn't answer in words. Instead, he charges. If Runyu wants to pretend he knows nothing, he'll have to prove that to Ouyang. By not giving him too much time to think, he hopes to see Runyu's true mettle. ))

[dragonrising]

Ah. So we begin.

[Runyu brings up his sword to block the charge, letting the momentum carry him back a few steps. It's been so long since he was last in combat. And at that time...

He prefers not to think about it as he holds his defense.]

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang's focus is intense. There's an economy to his movements, wasting no energy on unnecessary flourishes or showing off. Indeed, his attack is relentless, bordering on brutal. He isn't about to give Runyu an opening if he can avoid it. ))

[dragonrising]

[At first it seems like Runyu is at a disadvantage. He's being pushed back, he's only on defense, his hold on his sword seems weak. But then they get him backed against a wall...

And in a sudden motion he ducks to let Ouyang's sword strike the wall instead as he sweeps behind him to switch to attack. The hold on his sword is stead now and his movements flow like water. Dangerous yet fluid.]

[theatrics]

(( A satisfied smile rests on his lips when he swings around to take the defensive. He's pleased that his instincts were right. For once in his life, he'll feel no shame in losing; after all, it's a god he's fighting. ))

There he is.